Archie Schmidt: An Aussie and his first season in Europe

Moving from South Australia to Europe on his own, with only 16 years of age, after a quick progression that saw him winning races and titles in his home country and showing speed in the Asia Talent Cup (now Moto4 Asia Cup). This is the experience lived in 2026 by Archie Schmidt, a 2009-born Aussie who has just closed his first season in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and the Moto4 European Cup, racing with the MTA Junior Team in the latter.

Palmen in Motorradsport had the chance to get to know Archie Schmidt and his story, through an interview that walks through his 2026 campaign, his career so far and more.

Archie, first of all, how was your debut season in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup?

It was very difficult. I had never been to any of the tracks and many of the riders had, so I had to keep pushing to be able to fight with the guys. I think we break many lap records and the gap between the first guy and the last guy is very close. It was not so bad, but I would have liked a little bit more. At the start, I think I was a little bit scared, cautious of it all and I wasn't really getting up to speed fast enough. The last two races went well though, because I was able to stay at the back of the front group. I will build from that and come back stronger in 2027.

And what can you say about your season in the Moto4 European Cup? 

It was even more difficult. There are between 50 and 70 riders at every round, and only 30 make it to the main races, and once again all the circuits were new to me. My goal was qualifying for the main races, and I managed to do it in a few rounds (Estoril, Jerez and Valencia, ed). 

You have experienced your first season in Europe, which means that you left Australia and moved to the other side of the world being still very young. How did you deal with this change?

I moved by myself, since my parents stayed in Australia, and I had quite a hard time. During the season I lived in Barcelona with Kotaro Uchiumi (a rider competing in the Stock European Championship, ed). It was weird at the beginning, because where I come from in Australia I live with a big property, but in Barcelona I'm in a small flat with no room and cooking for myself. Apart from that, the biggest shock was coming from Australia being one of the fastest out there, and finding myself in the middle or back of the field. 

Talking about your career, how did you end up racing motorcycles?

In Australia, I had a dirt bike and I would just ride it around my house. At the age of 13, so quite late, I started racing. One day, somebody from the road racing paddock saw me in motocross and asked me if I wanted to try road racing. I tried it, I wasn't so bad, and I gave it a go. In my first year on asphalt, I raced the South Australian Junior BLU CRU Cup, which was on Yamaha R15 bikes. I was often in the front group, so I decided that I would continue on the road racing path, since I was better there than in motocross.

How did your career progress until 2026?

I did two years in the South Australian Junior BLU CRU Cup and in 2023 I moved to the Oceania Junior Cup, where I became champion in my rookie year. From there, in 2024 I went to the Asia Talent Cup. Racing in the ATC was another eye-opening experience, because I moved from the Yamaha R15 to a Moto3 machine, and the difference is huge. I got a podium in my first year, which was not bad, but the second year was very difficult, because I got a leg injury at the start of the season and missed two races because of that. Despite those struggles, I later passed the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup tryouts, and I consider it as one of my best achievements to date.

What's the biggest lesson that you've learned when racing outside Australia?

I have learned that everybody is fast, no matter who it is, and you need to keep pushing.

What's your goal for the future?

I obviously want to make it to MotoGP. In the short-term, in 2027 I want to be in the top 10 and score some podiums in the Rookies Cup, while also making progress in MotoJunior. If I do well, I hope to go to the Moto3 World Championship in 2028. When it comes to my biggest goal, I want to become a professional racer and make a living out of it.

How do your parents deal with your passion for motorcycle racing?

They try and support me the best they can, but it's a bit hard with them being in Australia and me being here in Europe. I think they're scared and always nervous when I'm riding.

Who is Archie Schmidt outside of motorcycle racing?

To be honest, I'm just a normal guy. I like to go to the gym and stay fit, plus other things like mountain biking. But without motorbikes, I think I would be back in Australia working.

Looking at what you have achieved so far, being in the MotoJunior paddock and the Rookies Cup after just few years racing, would you have expected any of that when you started?

Definitely not. One year in the Australian championship, two seasons in the Asia Talent Cup and then straight to Europe, which is a whole other level. It just went super fast.

What's your favorite circuit in Europe so far?

I like Mugello and Assen. They are the tracks that suit me best, with such alternance of fast and slow corners.

Who's your favorite rider?

I have to say Marc Márquez, for everything he's been through and how he's just dominating the sport.

In conclusion, the "Thank You Moment".

I want to thank my team in MotoJunior, MTA Junior Team, for always supporting me and helping me, and the Red Bull Rookies Cup for giving me the opportunity. Besides them, I am extremely grateful to my parents, my family and friends and all the people who support me.

Palmen in Motorradsport thanks Archie Schmidt for his time and Alessandro Tonucci, owner of the MTA team, for making the interview possible. Best wishes to both the rider and the team for the next chapters of their stories.